Pros n cons are good as long as they are constructive
anyway back to the FSA130r haha!
- to clarify the head spins 'normally' (anti-clockwise) same as the FSA90r
- the trigger is variable... the guy in the video is probably using a trimmer for the first time lol - if it wasn't variable, it would have a push button trigger or switch like a dyson stick vac or something
-needs to be powered by cable... so battery is either on a belt or in a bag or powered by a backpack battery.
-comes standard with a universal guard which is quiet big- assuming universal means it's suitable for a blade or regular line trimming head.
As soon as I got it, I removed the bigger guard - the smaller Stihl guard I like (from the kombi line trimmer attachment) bolts straight on without modification (assuming most other Stihl guards probably do too)
I also swapped the head for my fave - Stihl Autocut 25-2 - I've tried just about every different type mentioned on this forum and my personal preference are these - light weight, balanced, and can pre wind spools if you wish - also found less fiddly than speed feed and even stihls version of them (which is the standard head for this machine)
The machine has 3 settings - they are basically maximum speeds 1, 2 or 3
It is very powerful and low down torque is incredible compared to petrol equivalent
It automatically increases power / revs as needed..... like a governor in a mower but lightning quick
So for example you have on low setting 1 trimming some light grass etc ...you could just keep the trigger fully depressed (and yes can vary that speed if needed) and if you suddenly came across an overgrown patch.... you could just keep going and instead of bogging down it instantly compensates and increases power/revs
It's a different experience especially compared to a 2 stroke!
If you have it on level 3 and press the trigger to max without load... it doesn't spin all that fast... but as soon as it hits heavy grass it immediately powers through!
Haven't found any extremely long thick grass to give it the ultimate test yet... but have been through some fairly heavy stuff on a couple of jobs so far
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what I'm comparing too:
My everyday trimmer is a KM130r.... they are a beast and I don't think there is a better model out there in that weight range... It's been at home in the garage since I got the FSA130R... I'm waiting a little longer and if the battery stuff will get through the heavy stuff... its going on ebay. If its not quiet there I still might sell and just get a heavier model clearing saw like a Fs460 or 560 and use the battery stuff for everything else
I've got the FSA90r and have been using that on regular cut only jobs... and it's good for that .... but def not a petrol replacement.. very efficient using on small jobs
A few years ago I thought I'd buy a FS85r (25cc 2 stroke) for regular jobs as it was lighter than the 130.... used it for a couple of days and while it was smooth and easy to start... I could not handle the drop in power...sold it on ebay that week...
Same story with the electric start backpack blower BR450... nice gimmick but was way louder, way thirstier and way weaker than the br600 or 700!
I mention this because that's exactly what would happen to the FSA trimmers if they weren't making my life easier.
Even though I wish there was no external battery required, the machine is good enough that I'll put up with it .... so I picked up the ar3000 back pack battery today
If you have jobs where you are trimming for more than say 15 mins straight I'd say get one of these and a backpack battery straight away.
If you only do regular residential lawns you might find the hassle of wearing a belt / bag / backpack to power it, not worth it
Or if you're trying to reduce the toll of brush cutting on your shoulders etc then def pick one up in the shop ... nice and balanced and fairly light.... much lighter than the km130.. not sure how it compares to the average 25cc 2 stroke though
couldn't be bothered writing all that but if it wasn't for NLALM , I wouldn't have tried the HLA65 haha